Fluorescent light screen



ct. 18, 1949. A, A BEHNKE 2,485,133

FLUORESCENT LIGHT S CREEN 0d 18, 1949. A. A. BEHNKE 2,485,133

FLUoEscENT LIGHT SCREEN Filed Feb. 4, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 PatentedOct. 18, 1949 UNITED sTATss TsNT OFFICE FLUORESCENT LIGHT SCREEN' AugustAdolph Behnke, Chicago, Ill.

Application February 4, 1946, Serial No. 645,436

8 Claims.

In the use of fluorescent lights, the light tubes are usually exposed sothat when they are lighted they produce a considerable glare accompaniedby intermittent light flckerings, which are not only annoying, but whichalso have a bad effect on the eyes of certain individuals so that theycannot comfortably work or read by means of the ordinary exposed typesof fluorescent light tubes in xtures or lamps.

The present invention has been devised to provide Suitable and efficientWire mesh or apertured light screens, constructed of a Wire screening orthe like which may be either accordion pleated, scalloped, or in somecases plain. The screen forming material may be suitably painted orenameled to assist in the dissemination and filtering of light throughthe screen with a minimum loss of luminosity when the wire mesh screensare supported directly on the fluorescent tubes of a light fixture orlamp. With the use of the improved wire mesh screens supported directlyon the fluorescent light tubes, the effect of the quivering orfiickering motions occurring in fiuorescent light tubes, and the directglare from said tubes is substantially eliminated, with very little lossof light so that persons who usually are affected by the fiickering andglare produced when fluorescent light tubes are used may work or read bymeans of fluorescent lighting without being subjected to objectionabledisturbances and light glare such g as encountered by the use of exposedfluorescent light tubes.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved and simplifiedform of a wire mesh or perforated fluorescent fixture or light screen,and more particularly provide a mesh screen which may be quickly andconveniently supported directly on the fiuorescent light tubes offixtures or lamps without necessitating any alternations in orattachments to the fixtures or lamps.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an improved andsimplified form of a fluorescent light screen constructed of a wire meshmaterial and provided with means whereby the screen may be readilyattached to or removed from supporting engagement with fiuorescent tubesof light fixtures or lamps. l

A further object of the invention is the provision of an effective andinexpensive type of an apertured light disseminating shade of eitherpredetermined scalloped or plain construction and having means wherebythe shade may be easily and quickly supported in position withoutrequiring any alternations in or attachments to the fixtures or lampscarrying the fluorescent tubes.

(Cl. 24U-51.11)

It is furthermore an object of this invention to provide a corrugatedWire mesh screen adapted for securement directly on the fiuorescentlight tubes of fluorescent fixtures or lamps.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of pleated orscalloped finely apertured light screens equipped with means for readilysupporting or hanging the screens directly on the fluorescent tubes oflight fixtures and lamps.

The invention also includes the object of providing a transversely orlongitudinally pleated or scalloped Wire mesh light screen adapted to beconveniently supported and carried beneath the uorescent tubes offluorescent light fixtures or lamps whereby a person using the screenedfluorescent lights is not subjected to tube glareV or fiickerings( It isan important object of this invention to provide an efcient type of wiremesh accordion pleated screen adapted for direct support on fluorescentlight tubes by manually accessible means independent of contact with thefixtures in which the tubes are supported.

Other objects and features of the invention will be more fully apparentfrom the-disclosures in the specification and accompanying drawings,which illustrate preferred embodiments thereof.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a uorescent light ceilingfixture having a light screen, embodying the principles of thisinvention, removably supported on the tubes of the fixture;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of the light screen removedfrom the fixture and illustrating the supporting and reinforcing meansfor the light screen;

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view of the light screen taken online III-III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of one of the screen supportingmechanisms connected with a screen brace member;

Figure 5 isa fragmentary isometric view of the upper or inner side of amodified form of fluorescent light screen in which the pleats runlongitudinally of the screen;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary isometric view of the upper or inner side ofanother modified form of fiuorescent light screen constructed of flatwire mesh;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary isometric view of the inner side of anothermodified form of a scalloped fiuorescent fixture light screen;

Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view of a kthree-tube fluorescentlight fixture having a loni gitudinal pleated light screen provided withmodiiied supporting members for engaging certain of the light tubes tosupport the screen in position;

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view of a four-tube fluorescent lightfixture having a Scalloped or sinuous type of wire mesh or aperturedlight screen supported on the tubes by another modified type of support.

As shown in the drawings:

The reference numeral I indicates a uorescent light ceiling fixtureincluding a downwardly directed reflector 2. The fixture has twouorescent light tubes 3 tudinally therein. For the purposerofl reducingthe glare and the vibratory impulses frequently produced in fluorescentlight tubes,an improved fiuorescent fixture light screen isthe primaryobject of this invention. The improved screen is of a light weight andeffective construction and isV adapted to be easily and quicklysupported on the fluorescent light tubes of the fixture withoutrequiring any modifications or changes in the fixture.

The improved fluorescent light screen comprisesa.. screen body 4-constructed out: of light weight wire mesh or of a'material which isclosely perforated'. The wire meshbody il corrugated or accordionpleated, transversely of the body, and the two ends of the screen bodyare bent upwardly to provide walls or end shields 5. The wire screen orperforated screen body is coated with a selected type of luminous paintor enamel, preferably of a light color. The pleated wire screen has themarginal edges thereof bent over and formed into finishing hems. Ifpreferred, l

the edges may be covered in any suitable manner to provide a finishedconstruction.

1 For the purpose of reinforcing the Wire mesh pleated screen, a pair ofreinforcing rods or bars 6 are spaced longitudinally on the inner sideof the Wire mesh screen and are secured to the transverse ridges of thepleats so that the. pleats and the reinforcing rods forma rigidstructure. The ends of the reinforcing rods 6 project through and arerigidly secured to the, end shields 5 of the screen, as illustrated inFigure 2.

Quick attachable and demountable mechanisms are provided on the pleatedscreenfor'the purpose of easily associating a wire mesh pleated screenwith the fluorescent light fixture I without necesi sitating anymodification or changesin the iiX- ture. The supporting mechanisms forrthe screen are spaced at desired intervals along the length of thescreen and each of said mechanisms comprises a transverse bar l, theends of which are "1"' split or bifurcated to provide hooked prongs oriingers 8 which are rigidly clampedaround the parallel reinforcing bars6 to secure the supporting mechanism in place. Rotatably projectingthrough an opening in the middle portion ofthe transverse supportingvbar 'I is an upper reduced shaft section 9 which is integrally formed onone end of enlarged lower shaft section II) of an operating shaft. Theshaft includes a supporting shoulder II` where the two shaft sections 9and I0 join one another. Securely'engaged diametrically through thelower portion of the lower shaft section i I! is the handle I2 by meansof which the shaft ofthe supporting mechanism may be rotated. Rigidlysecured on the upper end of the upper shaft section 9 is a head or crossbar i3 which together with thev operating shaft forms a T-member whichis rotatable .by means of the handle I2- so` that the cross bar I3 maybe rotated from the bottom or exposed` side. of the removably supportedlongi-V wire mesh screen to permit the T-head to be positioned parallelto the iiuorescent fixture light tubes 3 to permit the cross bar to beprojected upwardly between the tubes. After the cross bar i3 has beenprojected upwardly between the tubes, the shaft is rotated to rotate thecross bar i3 so that the ends of the bar will be engaged transverselyacross the top portions of the parallel fluorescent tube 3 to restthereon. The wire mesh screen is-thus supported in position to close thelower portion of the xture reflector .2 Without any direct contact withthe iiuorescent light fixture I or the reector 2 forming a part thereof.

Whenthe supporting units are engaged in posiltion as described tosupport a wire mesh screen onlthe fluorescent tubes, the body portion ofthe screen is permitted to seat on the shoulders II of the lowersections ID of the shafts. Two or more: supporting units may beconnected with the pleated wire mesh screen, depending upon the lengthof they fixture and the screen which is to be supported on the xturetubes 3. When a pleated wire mesh screen is engaged in a fluorescentlight fixture as illustrated in Figure 1,.the end shields 5 projectupwardly into the reflector 2 to the outside of the ends ofthe'iiuorescent` tubes 3 to enclose the ends of said tubes.`

When it is desired to remove the wire mesh screen from a fluorescentlight.- fixture for the purpose of either cleaning the screen or for thepurpose of removing the fluorescent light. .tubes from the fixture, itis only necessary to rotate the shafts of the supportingunits by meansof the handles l2 to permit the supporting cross bars i3 to bepositioned parallel to the tubes thereby permitting the cross bars to.be drawn downwardly between the tubes, The corrugated or pleated screenmay be easily remounted by merely projecting the cross heads I3 upwardlybetween the tubes and then rotating the shafts to permit the cross barsI3 to rest on the tubes and thereby support the screenin position.

Figure 5 illustratesv a modified form of wire mesh or aperturedfluorescent: light fixture screen consisting of a screen body I4 whichmay be constructed outI of wire mesh or `apertured material. The screenbody I4 is accordion pleated or corrugatedto providea fluorescentfixture shadeor; screen in which the pleats run longitudinally of thefixture instead of transversely. Rigidly'secured to the ridges on the;inner side of the screen body I4 are a plurality of spaced supportingunits each of which comprises a supporting bar I5- having an aperturedbracket piece I6 molded or otherwise rigidly secured to one sidethereof. The bracket piece I6 has integral deflected end pieces whichare secured to two of the inclined wallsV forming the body pleats.A.rotatable1handle operated supporting mechanism is associatedwith eachof the supporting bracket pieces I6 and is constructed similar to thearrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. It will thus be noted thatthe modified form of longitudinally pleated wire mesh screen may beeasily and quickly engaged for support on the iiuorescent light tubes ofa fixture.

Figure 6 illustrates a fragmentary portion ofing the modified form offluorescent light screen on the fluorescent tubes of a fluorescent lightxture, the body |1 is provided with a plurality of spaced supportingunits each of which consists of a transverse bar 26, the ends of whichare curled or hook-shaped and are rigidly engaged around the rolledbeads or sleeves I8 forming the longitudinal edges of the screen bodyl1. Rotatably :projecting through the transverse bar is a rotatablesupporting means similar to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 inclusiveand comprising members Q to I3 inclusive. Itwill thus be noted that themodied form of light screen shown in Figure 6 may be easily and quicklymounted in position within a fluorescent light xture suspended from thefluorescent tubes.

Figure 7 illustrates a fragmentary portion of another modified form offluorescent fixture light screen comprising a body 2| constructed ofwire screening or closely perforated material which is scalloped orwaved to produce a sinuous or corrugated elect. The ends of the bodyportion 2| are turned upwardly to provide end Walls 22. Rigidly securedat spaced intervals to the inner side of the body section 2|, by spotwelding or other suitable means, are a pair of reinforcing bars or rods23, the ends of which are rigidly secured in the end walls 22 of theAlight screen. Secured transversely upon the reinforcing bars 23 are aplurality of spaced supporting units of the type illustrated in Figure6, thereby providing an arrangement whereby the scalloped wire screenmay be quickly and easily mounted to be suspended from the tubes of anelectric light fixture.

Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view illustrating still anothermodified form of fluorescent light screen for use in connection with athreetube fluorescent light fixture or with fluorescent light fixturesof more than three light tubes.

This modified form of light fixture is shown astrated in Figure 6.Pivotally supported at spaced.

intervals on each longitudinal margin of the screen body 26 are aplurality of supporting hooks 21 which are adapted to be engagedtransversely across the two outermost tubes to hold the screen supportedin position free from contact with the fluorescent light fixture.

Figure 9 illustrates another modified form of uorescent light screenshown supported in a uorescent light fixture 28 equipped with fourfluorescent light tubes 29. The fluorescent light screen shown in Figure9 may be used in connection with fixtures carrying more or less than thefour tubes illustrated. This modified form of fluorescent light screenconsists of a longitudinally scalloped or waved wire mesh body 30 whichmay be readily curved or shaped to engage beneath the tubes 29.Thelongitudinal margins of the body 30 are rolled or hemmed to enclosereinforcing rods or lbars.

For the purpose of supporting the scalloped type of fluorescent lightscreen on a 'fixture of the type shown in Figure 9, one margin of thescreen body 30 has pivotally supported at spaced intervals thereon aplurality of supporting bars or brackets 3|. The Opposite ends of theSupporting bars 3| are curved or hook-shaped to permit the same to beremovably engaged or latched around the bead on the opposite side of thelight screen, after the supporting -bars have been engaged over the twouppermost tubes as illustrated in Figure 9. If desired the latching endsof the supporting bars 3| may be equipped with any suitable type of camlatch members in place of the hooks.

From the foregoing description it will be noted that the presentinvention provides an improved ty-pe of light screen for use inconnection with fluorescent light fixtures, and that `provision is madewhereby the wire mesh screen may be quickly and simply supported inplace suspended from the fluorescent light tubes out of direct contactwith the uorescent light fixture. The improved arrangement permits thescreen to be readily removed so that the light screen may be cleaned orrefinished. rihe easy mounting and removal of the screen permits accessto be had to the fluorescent light tubes.

The improved fluorescent light screens are preferably constructed out ofwire mesh or if preferred a light weight closely perforated material maybe used in the construction. The perforations in the screen and thepleats or scallops provide an arrangement whereby the light from thefluorescent light tubes is evenly distributed and disseminated therebyeliminating glare and also providing an arrangement whereby theagitations or iekerings which frequently occur Within fluoroescent lighttubes is obscured so that fluorescent light fixtures can be used with agreater degree of ease and comfort, and without the ordinary objectionswhich have been encountered in the use of fluorescent light xtures inwhich. the lighttubes are exposed.

It will, of course, be understood that various details of constructionmay be varied through a wide range without departing from the principlesof this invention, and it is, therefore, not the purpose to limit thepatent granted hereon oth.- erwise than necessitated by the scope of theappended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1.`The combination with a fluorescent light fixture and the fluorescentlight tubes thereof, of a light disseminating screen comprising acorrugated wire mesh body section, and means for removably supportingthe body section on the fluorescent light tubes.

2. In combination with a fluorescent light xture including fluorescentlight tubes, a light disseminating unit comprising an accordion pleatedv/ire mesh screen, means secured thereto for reinforcing the screen, andsupporting members for engagement with the fluorescent light tubes tohold the screen suspended in position.

3. In a fluorescent light fixture wherein fluorescent light tubes areremovably supported, a light disseminating unit adapted to be suspendedfrom the fluorescent light tubes and comprising a corrugated screen bodysection, reinforcing members secured thereto, and supporting unitsconnected with the reinforcing members for engaging the fluorescentlight tubes to hold the screen suspended in position in the fixture andfree from contact therewith.

4. A fluorescent light iixture screen mechanism comprising a corrugatedscreen body section, reinforcing members secured thereto, cross barsconnected to the reinforcing members, shafts proonsaiclfshaitswadapted^to@bexprojectedupwardly betweenA the fluorescentiight tubes .and rotated by meanstof'- the handlesfintorpositionrtoengage the .iinorescent' light tubes to support thefscreen i111 place-.1

5; A `light .disseminatingscreen.mechanism for use. withzfiuorescentlight fixtures and the light tnbes:.--.thereof,V said.' mechanism:comprising.V a transversely pleated wire mesh. body sectiomzendwal'srintegral therewith, yie'firrnforcing bars secured toe-the'.ybodyrv sectionV and: .toV` the end. Walls, and rotatable supportingunits supported onthe rein forcing-members' and operable forengagementwith? the fluorescent light 'tubes to support the body'sectiorx; in: thefluorescent light Xture to4 encloszethe uorescient light tubes.

6i Ai. light `disseInitiatingscreen. mechanism -foruse in connection'withziiuorescent lightY fixtures: and: the fluorescent light tubestherein', said mechanismV comprising av pleatedwire" meshintegrallyformed. thereon,` reinforcing bars securedon. the inner sideof the body section and tothe end'walls to reinforcethe screenmechanism, bracketA bars vattacl'red to the reinforcing bars, and,i asupportingunit carried by each. of

the'bracket bars and comprisingr a lower shaft section and an uppershaft section of less diameter than the lower shaft section and provid-8i ing ai' shouidem 'at the junction of.i fsaid sections for engagementagainstfthe. bodysectiontohoid the :samevin place,a.;crossf.headlrigidly secured diametricallylacrossthe free endof theupper shaft section; and-.arhandl'e connected-Withthelower -shaftsectionfor rotating the lower and uppeshaftsectionsand the cross vheadforv moving `.the cross-.headfinto supporting engagement with;thenuoresc'entiighti tubes` andout 'ofl engagement. therewith." topermittrelease: of the screernimeohanism'.;

8;; Ar. light disseminating 1 screen mechanism adaptedV to' besuspended; from: :the fluorescenti light tubes oauoescent `lightfixture, said.

^ mechanism comprising afperforatedcorrugated body.section,means: forreinforcing the same, bracketV means. connected. for support on thereinfor-'cmg means, T-head units carried by the bracket means. and'means for rotating the T- hea-dl units for suspending the screensection on the. ftuorescent lightf'tubes to' disseminate rthe lightyfrom theA tubes and obscure the Wave fiick cringe-.when the :same occur*inthe norescent light. tubes.

AUGUSTADOLPH BEHNKEr..

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